Chicago-Tribune: Governor signs gay rights bill into law

[Tweed]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0501220273jan22,1,7233964.story?coll=chi-newslocal-hed

"More than 30 years since the state's first gay rights bill was introduced in the General Assembly, Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Friday signed significant changes in state law that ban discrimination against gays and lesbians by landlords, real estate agents, employers and lenders.

Blagojevich signed the controversial legislation, which went into effect immediately, in a hall packed with more than 150 gay rights supporters cheering him on. The governor was also joined by more than 25 legislators and activists who spoke about the historic import of Blagojevich's signature on a bill first proposed in 1974.

State Sen. Carol Ronen (D-Chicago), who sponsored the legislation, recalled how she and Blagojevich were both freshmen in the Illinois House in 1993 when that chamber first passed the gay rights measure, only to see it later stall in the Senate. This year, however, it passed the Senate in part because Blagojevich personally lobbied for it.

"He did it again last week--brought us the final votes," Ronen said."

Well, Illinois is ready to exist in the 21st century. Now if only we could get the other states.....

[BlueJazz]

1. The Southern States, When asked how much longer it will......

..be before THEY move into the 21st Century replied: Oh..just as soon as ice cream is served...in Hell.

[NNguyenMD]

2. Illinois is such a wonderful example of progressive success

I'm surprised the state doesn't get more praise from the party for reclaiming power in the statehouse, governorship, and providing 2 Dem senators.

[Tweed]

3. Thank you

Especially after 32 years of Republican control of the governor's office and almost 32 years of having one Democratic Senator and one Republican. Not only do we have a Democratic governor, we also have 5 out of 6 executive offices statewide held by Democrats. Not even New York and California can claim that. Of course, you avatar is going to CRUSH Pitakti in 2006 and how sweet it will be.

I think Durbin becoming the Senate Minority Whip might have been the thanks. Thank you for noticing how Democratic Illinois is though. Often people talk about the coasts and forget one of the most Democratic states in the Union is right here in the heartland.

[NNguyenMD]

4. no sir, it is us who should be thanking you, keep kicking that GOP ass!

[Zenlitened]

5. Awesome! Congratulations, Illinois...

... from this Marriage Fairness supporter in Massachusetts!

:hi:

[seventythree]

6. wonderful news

I know more than one legislator who bit the bullet and lost their office over the vote in 1993. Each was met with campaign opo lit that said they were the deciding vote on gay rights -- now how could each of them been the deciding vote? Truth never matters in politics.